For Students

Students pursuing leadership degrees deserve a professional home. The NLA connects you to the discipline and helps you build your professional identity before graduation.

A Foundation in the Discipline

Leadership has its own theories, methods, and standards. Student members learn the field as a social science and learn to tell legitimate leadership development from the pseudo-leadership content that fills the internet.

Network and Mentorship

Meet practitioners, researchers, and experienced leaders working in corporate leadership development, higher education, public service, military leadership, nonprofits, and consulting. They can show you real career paths and help you avoid the mistakes they made.

Research and Standards

Use NLA research, standards, and publications for papers, presentations, and a deeper grasp of leadership theory.

A Voice in the Field

Students can offer feedback on standards and take part in the association's work to clarify and elevate the discipline.

Visibility and Careers

List your membership on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and graduate school applications. The NLA's job and internship resources connect members with employers looking for leadership-educated candidates, and members can publish and showcase academic work.

Still choosing a program? Start with Choosing a Leadership Program and the NLA Approved Programs list.